Patients Experiencing Interpersonal Violence

  • Patients who are sexually assaulted by intimate partners might also be survivors of interpersonal violence (IPV).
  • Texas Health and Human Services
  • IPV Definition: “Acts that are physically and emotionally harmful or that carry the potential to cause physical harm … [and] may also include sexual coercion or assaults, physical intimidation, threats to kill or harm, restraint of normal activities or freedom and denial of access to resources” (National Research Council, 1996).
  • Reporting to DFPS
    • Child protective services reporting is mandatory if children are involved, or exposed to IPV, regardless if they witnessed the IPV.
    • Adult protective services reporting is mandatory if elder patients are involved in IPV.
  • Patients may not believe they were sexually assaulted. Educate but refrain from defining the experience for the patient. Ask questions in a way that allows patients to discuss unwanted sexual experiences.
  • Ask non-leading, open-ended questions.
    • Regarding direct or indirect use of force that is unwanted,
    • Sexual violence via force or threat,
    • Psychological or emotional abuse:
      • Neglect,
      • Name-calling,
      • Public humiliation or threat of humiliation,
      • Financial manipulation,
      • Social isolation,
      • Controlling movement, resources, and information, and
      • Control of reproductive and sexual health.